Empower Through Maps : Reclaiming the Power of Information through Participation

Sammanfattning: It is widely claimed that geographic information and maps are highly political. Many researchers have detailed the source of the power of maps and their ability to serve specific interests, represent certain ideologies and perpetuate systems of exclusion (Harley, 1988; Harvey, 1998; Wood, 1992). Maps can be both the products and the generators of power, thus assigning the mapmaker a great responsibility in the information that they choose or not to represent and how they decide to do it. Representing the same information in different ways, or choosing to omit certain parts of it and heighten others can reveal very different conclusions and lead to multiple interpretations. In the urbanism field, information often comes in extensive policy documents, development plans and land use maps. It is relevant to expand the sources of information that urbanists use when performing their job. Interest in mapping is high, made more accessible through tools like Google Earth and GIS software and with new forms of participatory mapping practices. Mapping has evolved from being done by and for figures of power and authority, to representing the issues, needs and conditions of everyday users. When mapping is reclaimed by the people, they can be used to propose alternatives to the image and language of power and become a medium for conversation or protest. By participating in the process, citizens can engage in dialogue with different stakeholders and government officials, acquire new skills and knowledge, be more informed and generate judgments about issues that concern them and exercise their political power. In the end, it is important to remember that making the map is not the end of the process, but the beginning, as information has to be processed, analyzed and discussed in a transparent and democratic manner as well. Cities are in constant growth and evolution and so the process of updating the information is ongoing. Maps should be kept updated and accessible in order for them to remain as a relevant tool for empowerment.